Monthly Archives: February 2012

Our next book is a novel by filmmaker Ruth Ozeki: My Year of Meats. In it, the main character, Jane, a Japanese-American, takes a job producing a TV show called “My American Wife,” designed to promote American beef in Japan. And in Japan, a viewer, Akiko, makes the meat recipe of the week, every week, for her husband’s dinner… and then goes to the bathroom to throw up. Eventually, the two women’s lives intersect, and they discover more about beef, love, and children.

Join us on Tuesday, March 13, at 6pm, at O’Henry’s Coffees at Brookwood Mall place TBD (check back for an announcement soon) for our discussion of My Year of Meats.

Our February book is a memoir by perhaps one of the most ambitious people in America’s culinary scene: Grant Achatz, a chef recognized by the James Beard Foundation and food magazines like Food & Wine and the now-defunct Gourmet. Achatz worked for Thomas Keller, studied techniques at El Bulli in Spain, and went to Chicago to make his mark. His restaurant, Alinea, is an award-winning success. At his newest restaurant, Next, there are no reservations: Diners buy tickets. And the menu revolves around themes, like childhood.

The memoir, Life, on the Line, is not just the story of a rising star: It’s the story of a rising star who received devastating news. Achatz was diagnosed with tongue cancer in 2007, in his mid-30s. His doctors said that to save his life, his tongue would have to be removed. Achatz instead chose an alternative treatment. In the memoir, Achatz shares his story of continuing the journey to reach his goals and dreams while going through the challenges of cancer treatment.

Pick up a copy, read, and join us on Wednesday, February 15 (we’re changing from our regular Tuesday night, as it is Valentine’s Day), place TBD. We’ll meet at Mix Bakery downtown, 1820 4th Avenue North, at 6pm. The bakery is staying open late for us, and there will be a prix fixe nosh (details to come).

Welcome!

The Birmingham (Alabama) Foodie Book Club usually meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6:00p.m. We read anything that has to do with food: Fiction and non-fiction; history, essay, memoirs, humor, anthologies, novels. We enjoy wine, food, and each other's company at every meeting. (Does life get any better?) The only requirement to join us is to love food—and no, you don't have to know how to cook! Read more about us in Slow Food USA's Fall 2008 issue of The Snail, (page 16) The Birmingham News, and The Birmingham Weekly.

Check out the posts for the location of our next meeting. And, if you buy your book from Alabama Booksmith, mention you're with the Foodie Book Club to get 20% off.